Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States (RRCUS)

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States (RRCUS) serves as the premier organization dedicated to the preservation, education, and promotion of the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed. With a deep commitment to the breed's historical integrity, the club provides comprehensive resources for owners, breeders, and enthusiasts to ensure the health and well-being of these noble dogs.

History and Breed Heritage

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed of formidable power and ancient heritage, originating from South Central Africa. Developed by settlers who crossed various breeds with the native dogs of the Hottentot tribe, the Ridgeback was prized for its superb hunting, tracking, and guarding abilities. The club emphasizes that the breed's defining characteristic—the ridge—is a hallmark of its lineage. Today, the RRCUS works to maintain the standards that define the Ridgeback as a loyal, independent, and courageous companion.

Core Mission and Activities

The RRCUS is highly active in fostering a community centered on responsible ownership and excellence in performance. Their extensive range of activities and programs includes:

• Conformation and Performance: The club hosts national specialties, supported shows, and competitions in agility, obedience, rally, lure coursing, scent work, tracking, and endurance trials.
• Health and Genetics: A major pillar of the organization is the promotion of health screenings and research projects, supported by the RR Donor Advised Fund, to protect the long-term health of the breed.
• Education and Mentorship: The club provides a wealth of educational materials, including an illustrated breed standard, breeder directories, and a mentorship program to guide new owners and breeders.
• Recognition: The RRCUS honors excellence through various programs, such as the Register of Merit, the Canine Good Citizen program, and the Versatility (VC/VCX/VCM) awards.

Rules and Ethical Standards

The RRCUS maintains a strict Code of Ethics to guide its members. A primary focus is the adherence to the official breed standard, which specifies that the Rhodesian Ridgeback should only appear in light wheaten to red wheaten colors. The club explicitly warns against disreputable breeders who market non-standard colors—such as brindle, black-and-tan, or blue—as "rare" or "exotic," noting that these are incorrect for the breed and should never be encouraged or rewarded in the show ring. Through these rigorous standards, the RRCUS ensures that the Rhodesian Ridgeback remains a dog of noble bearing and incorruptible character.